How to Challenge the Stigma That Surrounds Alzheimer’s

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How to Address Alzheimer's-Related Stigma in Toronto, ON

The Alzheimer Society of Canada reports that more than 560,000 people in the country have Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is expected to grow exponentially in the next three decades. Although the disease process is becoming more prevalent, there is a stigma surrounding the disorder. The stigma can have a negative effect on aging adults with Alzheimer’s as well as their family members. Here are a few ways to fight the stigma.

Address the Negative Effects

Due to the negativity that surrounds Alzheimer’s, many people resist tests and medical treatments. Individuals may also avoid making plans or shy away from developing a support system. By ignoring the symptoms and not allowing loved ones to help, many seniors deny themselves a better quality of life. Some older adults with Alzheimer’s try to hide the fact from others. Instead of trying to hide the diagnosis, seniors should use their experiences as a learning tool for others.

Aging adults with Alzheimer’s can benefit from professional in-home care. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Toronto Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.

Dispel the Myths

Due to the stigma attached to the disease, many family members and friends of seniors with Alzheimer’s start avoiding them after the diagnosis. Affected seniors and their families may also resist forming new relationships. The Alzheimer Society of Canada offers many recommendations that can be utilized to address the stigma surrounding the disorder.

Have a Discussion

Start a discussion with loved ones, community members, or through social media sites. Talk about the how the disease process develops, the symptoms, and the need for more research and better treatment options. Family members of seniors with Alzheimer’s may soon find they are not alone in managing the disorder.

Educate Others

Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and share the knowledge with others. Read pamphlets or books or research online sites to gain all of the information possible about the disease. Encourage others to learn more, and help them find relevant and updated information. By communicating with others, you can gain more information about the disease along with caregiving tips.

Caring for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease can take a toll on a caregiver’s own health. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you are caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Toronto families who want to avoid burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

Join a Support Group

Support groups are another source of information and education. These groups provide members with the chance to form relationships, and they offer support for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Support groups might be available in a local church, a medical facility, or at a local educational institution.

Fight Discouragement

There may be people who deny the facts concerning the disease and refuse to learn the truth. Don’t let negativity or false information discourage you. You may encounter people who are willing to listen and learn that Alzheimer’s isn’t merely a symptom of the normal aging process.

Treat Your Loved One with Dignity and Respect

Despite living with Alzheimer’s, seniors deserve to be treated with love, dignity, and respect. Appreciate them for who they were and who they are now. Don’t avoid them or exclude them during social occasions.

Alzheimer’s disease can impact a senior’s health, wellbeing, and independence. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Toronto senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging parent, give us a call at (416) 488-8777 today.

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